Senior benefits in Edgecombe County, North Carolina

The Upper Coastal Plain Area Agency on Aging serves older adults age 60 and older, their family caregivers, and people with disabilities in Edgecombe County. Services include congregate and home-delivered meals, family caregiver support and respite, the Seniors' Health Insurance Information Program (SHIIP) for Medicare counseling, options counseling and long-term care help, the long-term care ombudsman, and links to local senior centers. Call the Area Agency on Aging to learn what is available in your county.

Estimated service value: $1,000–$6,000 a year

North Carolina's Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP) gives a one-time payment toward heating costs, and the Crisis Intervention Program (CIP) helps when a household faces a heating or cooling emergency. Both are run by the Edgecombe County Department of Social Services. Households with an older adult (60+) or a person with a disability can apply starting December 1; other eligible households apply starting in January, until funds run out. Apply online through ePASS at epass.nc.gov, by phone, or at the county DSS office.

Estimated bill savings: $300–$1,500 a year

ECU Health Edgecombe Hospital in Tarboro is the main hospital serving Edgecombe County. ECU Health offers charity care (financial assistance) for emergency and medically necessary care to patients who cannot afford to pay, based on household income and the system's policy. Apply by asking for a financial assistance application or calling ECU Health financial assistance.

Estimated bill savings: about $0 a year

In this county: Edgecombe: ECU Health financial assistance covers emergency and medically necessary care; the award depends on household income and ECU Health's published policy.

Home Care Independence lets Edgecombe County residents age 60 and older hire a family member, friend or other person of their choice as a paid personal assistant. The assistant helps with personal care such as bathing and dressing, and with home tasks such as cooking, cleaning, laundry and shopping. A care advisor helps you plan and direct your own care, and a payroll service pays the assistant. Call By Faith Home Care Services at 252-210-3900 to ask about openings.

Tar River Transit provides rural general-public, door-to-door paratransit for Edgecombe County, and the Edgecombe County Office on Aging coordinates rides for older adults to medical appointments and senior services. Vehicles are wheelchair accessible, and reduced fares are available to Senior Tarheel Card and Medicare card holders and riders with a disability. Call to schedule a ride or ask about fares.

Estimated service value: $200–$2,000 a year

In this county: Edgecombe: rural general-public paratransit via Tar River Transit plus county Office on Aging rides; fares depend on the trip and program.